As the first plan gave no hope, since, cumbered as they were with helpless people, they could not expect to escape the city, in their despair they decided on the second.

All must die, therefore they would perish by each other's hands.

When this decision was known, a wail went up from the women and the children began to scream with fright, those of them who were old enough to understand their doom.
Nehushta caught Miriam by the arm.
"Come to the highest roof," she said; "it is safe from the stones and arrows, and thence, if need be, we can hurl ourselves into the water and die an easy death." So they went and crouched there, praying, for their case was desperate.
Suddenly Nehushta touched Miriam and pointed to the sea.

She looked and saw another galley approaching fast as oars and sails could bring her.
"What of it ?" she asked heavily.

"It will but hasten the end." "Nay," replied Nehushta, "this ship is Jewish; she does not fly the Eagles, or a Phoenician banner.